View Hai Phong from Ho Chi Minh City

On the morning of May 24, at Lam Son Park (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), the opening ceremony of the photo exhibition “Hai Phong - French Heritage” took place. The exhibition was organized by the Hai Phong City People's Committee in coordination with the French - Vietnamese Academy of Architecture and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City.

With the theme “Architectural heritage today, prosperity for tomorrow”, the photo exhibition “Hai Phong - France Heritage” brings 65 photo sets (570 photos) vividly reflecting a Hai Phong city of the past and present. This is also a meaningful event to celebrate the 51st anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations (1973-2024) and the 11th anniversary of establishing the Vietnam - France Strategic Partnership (2013-2024).

Delegates performed the ribbon cutting ceremony to open the exhibition. Photo: QUYNH YEN

Established in 1888, Hai Phong City has had more than a century of development with many ups and downs of history, with many works bearing the early imprint of French architecture. From a coastal area, Hai Phong City has developed into a port city with a long history and become one of the three first-class cities of Vietnam.

Mr. Grégory Charles Robert, Deputy Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City, spoke at the opening ceremony. Photo: QUYNH YEN

One of the very important highlights that creates the face of the city is the Central Urban Area, where many typical architectural works converge, with great value in terms of architecture, culture and art, showing the blend of diverse and rich cultures.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Dung, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Hai Phong City, said that through the exhibition, the public will better understand and love the modern, civilized, and unique Hai Phong City. Photo: QUYNH YEN

With more than 300 villas, of which more than 100 architectural works in the center of Hai Phong city are still almost intact, preserved and promoted in use. These are typical works reflecting the intersection of two cultures, France and Vietnam in Hai Phong.

Delegates visited and enjoyed photos of Hai Phong City. Photo: QUYNH YEN

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Dung, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Hai Phong City, said that the photo exhibition "Hai Phong - French Heritage" in Ho Chi Minh City aims to provide more information and documents for domestic and international friends to better understand Hai Phong's planning through the periods; public spaces; the work of preserving valuable architectural works in Hai Phong, including French architectural works in the core urban area of the city; thereby finding optimal solutions for the conservation and sustainable development of Hai Phong city.